Knowsley Council is launching a campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of illicit vapes and help tackle the sale of them in the borough.
The work is part of efforts being undertaken by Public Health and Trading Standards to protect the health of residents, prevent underage sales and disrupt organised criminal activity.
What are illicit vapes?
Illicit, counterfeit or “blag” vapes are products that are sold illegally and do not comply with UK regulations. Often sold at lower prices than legal products, they may also claim to offer higher nicotine strengths or larger sizes than are permitted under UK law.
While these products can appear attractive because of their price and availability, they can pose significant risks to users. Because illicit vapes are unregulated and untested, there is no guarantee that they are safe.
Why are they dangerous?
Trading Standards Officers across the UK have identified potentially dangerous ingredients in illegal vape products, including unsafe levels of nicotine and harmful metals such as lead and nickel. As these products do not meet UK safety standards, consumers cannot be certain about what they contain.
Tackling the sale of illicit tobacco and vapes is important in helping to protect children and young people from harmful products and illegal underage sales. It also plays a role in disrupting organised crime groups that profit from the illegal trade.
What is Knowsley Council doing to tackle the issue?
Knowsley Council’s Public Health team will be working with colleagues in Community Safety, and other partner organisations, to engage with residents and help raise awareness of the dangers of illicit tobacco and vapes.
The Trading Standards team work closely with Merseyside Police to crack down on illegal vapes and tobacco, with numerous operations taking place during the year.
Cllr Christine Bannon, Knowsley Council’s Cabinet Member for Health, said: “Illicit vapes can be really damaging to your health. They’re unregulated and untested and users are taking a risk every time they choose to use one.
“I would urge anyone using illicit vapes to think twice and remember that there are stop smoking services available to support you to quit vaping long term.”
Cllr Shelley Powell, Knowsley Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods, said: “The sale of illicit vapes is often linked to further illegal activity, such as underage sales and organised criminal activity.
“We work closely with partners such as Merseyside Police to tackle the sale of illicit vapes and I would urge residents to help us by making a report if they believe they have been sold illicit vapes or tobacco.”
What to do if you spot illicit vapes or tobacco
Residents who suspect illicit vapes or tobacco products are being sold are urged to report them anonymously through the Illegal Tobacco and Vapes Helpline on 0300 999 0000.
Reports can also be made online via the Illegal Tobacco website.
Support to quit smoking
For people who smoke, switching completely to a regulated vaping product can be a useful tool to help quit smoking.
Smokefree Knowsley offers a range of support to help residents stop smoking and quit vaping, including access to vape kits and behavioural support from trained advisers.
Residents can contact Smokefree Knowsley on 0151 426 7462 to find out more about the support available and take the first step towards a healthier, smokefree future.
For more information about stop smoking services in Knowsley, visit the Smokefree Knowsley website or contact the team directly.